The FPA is concerned about a July 4 incident during the IDF operation in Jenin, in which an Israeli soldier inside a military vehicle opened fire at a TV camera and live transmitting device belonging to FPA members from Al-Araby TV. The equipment was destroyed.
Footage of the shooting clearly shows the soldier firing at the equipment, breaking the lens, knocking the equipment to the ground and causing it to catch fire. FPA members Amid Shehadeh and Rabi Munir from Al-Araby TV and other journalists, who were clearly identified as journalists in helmets and protective vests, took shelter inside a nearby building and were later escorted out by a Red Crescent ambulance.
The FPA has repeatedly sought clarification from the IDF, which says it is still examining the incident. The FPA calls on the army to allow journalists to do their jobs freely and safely.The FPA notes that police did respond to our complaints and did attempt to quell the violence. But given the violent history of this event, we believe police should have been better prepared and could have done more to prevent these attacks from occurring in the first place.